Last year, the independent NHS Race and Health Observatory commissioned consultancy, Public Digital, to undertake a ‘digital discovery’ project to explore the lived experience of people undergoing acute emergency hospital admissions for sickle cell and managing crisis episodes at home.
The NHS Race and Health Observatory commissioned Public Digital to explore the potential of digital interventions to improve acute sickle cell care pathways during an acute painful episode or crisis. Between August and December 2022, we ran a discovery project that aimed to build a deep understanding of the challenges people with sickle cell experience in accessing adequate healthcare when they are having a crisis. Our intention was to conduct research that would identify, and begin to validate, candidate solutions for testing in a further phase of work.
A recent parliamentary inquiry into avoidable deaths and failures of care for sickle cell patients in secondary care identified that too often acute painful sickle episodes are poorly managed by the NHS. It recommended that the NHS Race and Health Observatory (NHSRHO) undertake a study into sickle cell care in relation to race and ethnicity.
A recent parliamentary inquiry into avoidable deaths and failures of care for sickle cell patients in secondary care identified inadequate investment in sickle cell care. It recommended that the NHS Race and Health Observatory (NHSRHO) undertake a study into sickle cell care in relation to race and ethnicity.
This report sets out to understand the broad availability of digital products and services that currently exist. The report explores the range of technology that is in place for Accident and Emergency clinicians, red-cell specialists, and ambulance care, to aid timely support to sufferers on their emergency hospital arrival.
